CITROEN C5 (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 46 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,705
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1200cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1705/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 76% of CITROEN C5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,159 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,159
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 CITROEN C5 has 42,159 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2018 sits between the two at 76%.
CITROEN C5 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 2,377 | 25,060 mi | |
| 2020 | 92% | 10,871 | 30,371 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 11,830 | 37,099 mi | |
| 2018 | 76% | 46 | 42,159 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 186 | 70,192 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 320 | 88,761 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 405 | 83,642 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 653 | 96,254 mi | |
| 2012 | 77% | 729 | 106,625 mi | |
| 2011 | 75% | 1,045 | 113,766 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 2,297 | 119,800 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 3,341 | 119,720 mi | |
| 2008 | 71% | 2,251 | 122,178 mi | |
| 2007 | 69% | 731 | 118,303 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 827 | 118,553 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 596 | 119,716 mi | |
| 2004 | 72% | 691 | 117,451 mi | |
| 2003 | 69% | 554 | 126,405 mi | |
| 2002 | 66% | 426 | 125,296 mi | |
| 2001 | 64% | 205 | 116,552 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 CITROEN C5
The 2018 CITROEN C5 is a city car with a 1200cc petrol engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 42,159 miles at 8 years old, CITROEN C5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 CITROEN C5 Fuel Costs
The modest 1200cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 CITROEN C5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,705 (£142/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN C5 Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 CITROEN C5
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 CITROEN C5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 CITROEN C5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C5(2018) | 76% | £955 | £195 | Grp 5-15 | £1705 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£315 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£133 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£28 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£155 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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FORD FIESTA
2016 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2016 · 1596cc Petrol
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